MHLA January Newsletter

Today marks the start of the 438th Session of the Maryland General Assembly. I look forward to working with this year’s Legislative Committee and want to thank this dedicated group in advance for the time we will spend influencing issues that matter most to Maryland’s growing $5.1 billion lodging industry. Beginning January 22, weekly legislative reports with the bills we are tracking may be viewed in the Members Area at www.MDLodging.org. Feel free to contact me with questions on any of the issues.

2018 promises to be an exciting year for MHLA. We are especially excited by plans to unveil our NEW LOGO at the 29th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on February 8. Nominations are due this Friday, January 12, and the deadline to register/sponsor this event is January 25. Click here or email Christine@MDLodging.org for more details.

Every MHLA member contributes to the effectiveness of our Association and I am thankful for your ongoing support. Without you, we would not be able to accomplish all that we have planned for this year.

Happy New Year!

Amy Rohrer, CAEPresident & CEOMaryland Hotel Lodging Association

MHLA NEWS & UPDATES

Annual “Stars of the Industry Awards” Nominations Deadline January 12Submit your nominations for the 29th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon! All employee nominees will be recognized and honored at the Awards Luncheon on February 8, 2018 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The nomination deadline is THIS FRIDAY.

MHLA Regional Meeting taking place in Anne Arundel CountyMHLA’s next Regional Meeting will take place on January 23, 2018 from 10:00-11:30 AM at the Doubletree Annapolis Hotel. Invitations have gone out to all Anne Arundel County hoteliers and MHLA Allied Members. Email Christine@MDLodging.org if you did not receive the invitation and would like to attend. More details are also online.

November 2017 STR ReportSmith Travel Research data for Maryland shows occupancy is up slightly, ADR has increased 2.3%, and RevPAR is up 3.9% YTD through November 2017 compared to the same period last year. Maryland data is provided monthly to MHLA by Smith Travel Research. Members may view the full report online. Go to https://mdlodging.org/members/ and select “Industry Statistics and Research.” (Member log-in required.)

Jeff Makhlouf, General Manager, The Hotel at the University of Maryland (NEW HOTEL MEMBER)

Gail Brahmbhatt, General Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Annapolis Hotel

Michael Vance, General Manager at the Westin Annapolis Hotel

Congratulations to Dhaval Brahmbhatt, former GM at the DoubleTree Annapolis, who recently accepted a senior position with a new hotel management company based in Chicago.

Contact information for all MHLA Members is available in the online Member Directory. (log-in required)

INDUSTRY NEWS & INFORMATION

Host Hotels & Resorts to Move HeadquartersSource: Hotel BusinessHost Hotels & Resorts Inc. is relocating its current corporate headquarters on Rockledge Dr. to a larger space – approximately 55,000 sq. ft. – at 4747 Bethesda Ave. in Bethesda, MD. Construction is currently underway on the new building, with an anticipated occupancy date of late 2019. READ MORE

You’re gambling. Maryland casinos experience 2nd-best monthSource: Washington’s Top NewsMaryland’s six casinos generated just over $141 million in December, the second-best month since casino gaming in the state began in 2010. That falls just shy of the all-time high for gaming revenue of $141.2 million in March 2017. READ MORE

University of Maryland is bringing upscale hotels, restaurants to College ParkSource: The Washington PostPrince George’s County leaders and developers are working on a coordinated effort to spruce up the Route 1 University of Maryland corridor to create a place where more professionals will want to eat out, shop, enjoy cultural events and live. READ MORE

BWI is going to the dogs with plans for a pet hotelSource: Baltimore Business JournalTo help set itself apart from other airports, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is developing a “pet hotel” for people to drop off their animals. Passengers will be able to park and drop off their pet on the way into the airport. READ MORE (subscription needed)

Tourism Day – February 16, 2018
All hoteliers are invited to Tourism Day, sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition, and taking place on February 16, 2018. This advocacy event presents a great opportunity to join together and communicate the economic impact of Maryland’s tourism industry to elected officials in Annapolis. Click here for more details and to register.